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Observatory Assistant information

What is an observatory assistant?

Observatory Assistants are professionals who support astronomers and researchers by helping operate and maintain equipment at observatories. Their duties often include setting up telescopes, recording observational data, conducting routine maintenance, and assisting visitors during public outreach events. They play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of observatory operations and may also help with data analysis or cataloging observations. The position can be part-time or full-time and sometimes includes night or weekend shifts, depending on observation schedules.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an observatory assistant?

To thrive as an Observatory Assistant, you need a solid understanding of astronomy, data collection, and basic physics, often supported by a degree or coursework in a related field. Familiarity with telescopes, astronomical imaging software, and data analysis tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate observations, smooth operations, and effective collaboration in supporting astronomical research and public outreach.

What are some typical challenges observatory assistants face when working during nighttime observation sessions?

Observatory Assistants often work late hours, which can pose challenges in maintaining alertness and focus during nighttime observation sessions. They must adapt to varying weather conditions and quickly troubleshoot technical issues with telescopes or data collection equipment. Additionally, close collaboration with astronomers and other staff is essential, as assistants help coordinate observations, record data accurately, and ensure the smooth operation of nightly schedules. Developing strong communication and problem-solving skills is key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful observations.

What cities are hiring for Observatory Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Observatory Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Observatory Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Observatory Assistant jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Observatory Assistant jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Observatory Assistant jobs are:

Observatory Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Observatory Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Senior Finance and Administrative Coordinator, Large Binocular Telescope Observatory

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

University Of Arizona rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

362nd of 619 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Senior Finance and Administrative Coordinator, Large Binocular Telescope Observatory
Posting Number
req26411
Department
Large Binocular Telescope Obs
Department Website Link
www.lbto.org
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
933 N Cherry Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA
Position Highlights
The Large Binocular Telescope Observatory is seeking a Senior Finance and Administrative Coordinator to provide daily operational support for the department to ensure goals and objectives are accomplished in accordance with established policies, procedures, and priorities. Responsibilities include purchasing supplies and materials, processing financial transactions, and providing office support for the day-to-day operations and research activities of the department and observatory, including the Large Binocular Telescope Observatory (LBTO) and the Large Binocular Telescope Corporation (LBTC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that sponsors the observatory.
This position requires strong attention to detail, the ability to prioritize, and the ability to work effectively within a team and with internal and external collaborators. This is a full-time front-office position that requires in-person work and may require occasional after-hours and weekend support. This position reports directly to the Business Affairs Manager.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
Administrative:
  • Provide front-office support, professionally greet, supervise and direct internal and external office and observatory visitors.
  • Purchase supplies, materials, and equipment for the department and the observatory, following established procurement procedures and supervisor approval.
  • Coordinate merchandise returns and express shipments within the U.S. and internationally.
  • Support the fleet of vehicles, including driving vehicles to UA Motor Pool; scheduling vehicle use and maintenance; and preparing monthly and annual reports for the UA Motor Pool and state agencies.
  • Assist with the maintenance of office, conference rooms, and kitchen facilities.
  • Maintain office equipment and supplies, and orders office supplies as needed.
  • Maintain financial and administrative records for audit purposes.
  • Utilize the university HR system to perform MSS transactions, such as position distributions for changes in personnel funding and payment requests.
  • Coordinate the duties for student employees who assist within fleet maintenance and other support duties.
  • Time coordinator for department timesheets.

Financial:
  • Process reimbursements to department employees' for reimbursable expenses and travel, ensuring all required supporting documentation is complete and compliant with university and departmental policies.
  • Process vendor payments utilizing university credit cards, purchase orders or disbursement vouchers.
  • Provide staff with general guidance regarding financial questions.
  • Coordinate asset management activities, including tagging assets, maintaining equipment inventories, tracking departmental equipment, and managing surplus inventory.

Corporation:
  • Assist with managing procurements and payments for the corporation from both domestic and international vendors.
  • Communicate directly with vendors, secure quotes, and prepare purchase orders.
  • Prepare invoices for payment with cash voucher or wire transfer.
  • Supports unit cash-handling processes while ensuring internal controls.

Other Duties:
  • Assist in coordinating activities that fall outside the scope of normal daily operations, including event planning for conferences, board meetings, and finance meetings; coordinating event space; and arranging meals with the Student Union or external vendors.
  • Assist with financial audit requests during annual site audit.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Excellent customer service skills.
  • Proactive in monitoring tasks and taking prompt action to complete work.
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively manage time, prioritize tasks, set goals, and develop systems to achieve them.
  • Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Flexibility to adjust to changing priorities and tasks.
  • Knowledge and use of business principles, theories and concepts.
  • Ability to work efficiently and effectively both independently and as part of the team.
  • Demonstrate honesty and integrity, as well as being flexible and adaptable to a fast-paced and evolving environment.
  • Working knowledge of the university's accounting policies, procedures, and practices.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
  • Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  • Ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy..
  • Experience in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), Google Suite, and Adobe products.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
  • Experience in an office setting preferred.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Organizational Administration
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
DOE
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
8
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
PC2
Job Family
Administrative Operations
Job Function
Organizational Administration
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Michelle Aros
LBTO Business Affairs Manager
maros@arizona.edu
Open Date
7/2/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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